Yo Gabba Gabba is what happens when Nickelodeon lets indie musicians make a kid's show. Quick caveat: Maeve loves it. So we watch pretty regularly, thank you Netflix streaming. Here are just a few thoughts on one of the stranger kids' shows I have ever seen.
Yo Gabba Gabba is no Sesame Street. Do not expect your child to be recognizing letters afterwards, and do not expect to enjoy watching it as much as you would Sesame Street, unless you are on drugs. Drugs would possibly enrich your Yo Gabba Gabba experience because it is very trippy- that being said, don't do drugs.
Yo Gabba Gabba chronicles the adventures of 5 toys that come to life when DJ Lance gets them out of their box and says the magic words. They live in a play set with limited props and frequent guest stars. Or, as the Husband likes to believe, it is the video chronicle of the mental breakdown inside DJ Lance Rock's head.
The guest stars and musical sets are obviously meant to appeal to the parents, though they arrive under the guise of Dancey Dance Time and the Super Music Friends Show. The whole show is littered with clever titles like that - snacky snack time, dancey dance time, jumpy jumping, etc. And don't even get me started on Biz and his "beat of the day" - that guy has creepy teeth and I don't feel it's important for my daughter to learn to beatbox.
All of these issues aside, the show is oddly catchy, and you can't help singing along after a few episodes. It does encourage kids to get up and dance, and teaches valuable social lessons: "Don't say mean things to your friends; Don't bite your friends; It's fun to put on your pajamas, and this is how you do it!"
There is nothing negative about Yo Gabba Gabba, but it's mostly a feel-good romp through crazy town and not an educational show. PBS would never have picked it up. But toddlers love it - just like they love cupcakes dipped in sugar cereal. So maybe some moderation is in order when it comes to the Gabba.
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| Glued to the screen |
Sammy loves Yo Gabba Gabba, too, mostly because of all of the music and bright colors and I like it because it doesn't involve any talking purple dinosaurs. :D
ReplyDeleteOh I hear you there, Laura! There are many worse evils - we don't do the Wiggles, either, just for my own sanity.
ReplyDeleteYo Gabba has been on our TV for all of about a minute. Creeped me out for some reason. Too trippy!
ReplyDeleteA feel good romp through crazy town...that pretty much describes every babysitting experience i've ever had!
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